Sullinger Declares for 2012 NBA Draft

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Jared Sullinger, a forward on the Ohio State men's basketball team, has elected to make himself available for the 2012 National Basketball Association Draft. Sullinger made the announcement Wednesday at Value City Arena.

“Going to the Final Four with a team that many people said we weren’t good enough, weren’t strong enough, weren’t mentally tough enough, and still being able to get to the Final Four with all the ups and downs we had, I think that was tremendous for this basketball team,” Sullinger said Wednesday. “Once we got to the Final Four, we were trying to win it. But unfortunately, we fell short. I feel at peace with the decision I’m making.”

In two seasons at Ohio State, Sullinger scored 1,282 points (17.3 ppg.) and grabbed 717 rebounds (9.7 rpg.) He played in 74 career games, starting 73. His scoring total rates No. 29 all-time while his rebound total ranks No. 11 in Ohio State history.

His career point total is the third most in Ohio State history over the first two seasons of a career. Jerry Lucas scored 1,381 points in 1960 and 1961. Michael Redd tallied 1,361 in 1998 and 1999.

“I’ve always said he’s one of the most intellectual players I’ve ever coached,” OSU head coach Thad Matta said. “He came in that way as a freshman. The thing is that people don’t know he studies the game. Not only the college game, but the NBA game. He can tell you a lot about a lot of NBA issues. For him, the timing is definitely right.”

Sullinger earned numerous Big Ten and national honors during his time in Columbus. A two-time consensus first-team All-American, Sullinger was named the 2011 National and Big Ten Freshman of the Year and was a two-time first team All-Big Ten honoree.

The Buckeyes won 65 games over the last two seasons and claimed a pair of Big Ten regular-season titles while also advancing to the Big Ten tournament title game each year. The Buckeyes won the 2011 BTT and finished as the runner-up this season.

Sullinger led the Buckeyes to the 2011 NCAA Tournament "Sweet 16" and most recently to the 2012 NCAA Final Four in New Orleans, the 10th Final Four appearance for Ohio State all-time.